It was considered.... as was a 6.0 gas motor/tranny combofrom a crate.... Just not feasible for me.

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The truck will be used for towing, not necessarily heavy towing. Yes, I asked for opinions and leaving it stock is a consideration, I just like lifted and unique trucks. I'm sure the 6.6/Allison with 35" or even 37.5" tires won't know my 7500lb max weight tandem V-Nose trailer, usually totally loaded to a max of about 5500lbs, is even behind it. The 1500/5.3l/3.73s seemed to do too much work in the mountains for my liking which is why I am upgrading.

Lift it! Only reason is so many people will suggest 20's is to clear the upper control arms. I was not able to run as wide of a tire as I would have liked with a 17 with -0 offset. Went to a 20 and takes the suspension out of the equation. Also, some lift company's suggest 20's with their kits.

I am vary happy with my suspension upgrades... I went with read lift... I installed their UCA kit' leveling kit and shocks. I gained two inches all the way around... and rides and handles way better than stock.